Linkable-shared friendship objects

ABSTRACT

A friendship object kit comprising at least a pair of friendship objects that are packaged and sold together, where a first one of the friendship objects is for a first person to keep and second one of the friendship objects is for a second person to receive from the first person, the pair of friendship objects each comprising a connector mechanism associated with it so that multiple friendship objects from different pairs of friendship objects can be linked together by one person. The friendship objects may be substantially similar or complimentary and made in a variety of shapes and configurations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/662,327, filed Sep. 16, 2003, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to two or more friendship objects that may be sold together, wherein one object may be kept by one person and a second object may be given to a second person. Each object may comprise a connector to enable multiple friendship objects to be linked or otherwise connected together to form jewelry, chains or other linked objects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Friendship bracelets per se are known. Typically these items are given by one friend to another and worn as a symbol of friendship. Generally, each item is created and exists in isolation.

Other types of friendship objects are also known. For example, with some friendship objects, two halves of one object may be joined together to complete the object. In these instances, each of two friends may keep one of the two objects and when the two friends get together, they can join the two objects together. For example, friendship rings are known. With friendship rings, each person has a single ring. When the rings are brought together, some synergistic result occurs. This pair of objects may be created and exist in an isolated pair.

Charm bracelets are also known. With charm bracelets, a person may typically collect a number of charms. Each charm is usually connected to a bracelet, but not to each other. While a first friend could give a charm to a second friend, there is typically no corresponding charm kept by the first friend.

Other types of friendship tokens exist.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention, two or more friendship objects may be sold together, wherein a first person keeps one of the objects and gives a second object to a second person (e.g., a friend, team mate, co-worker, customer or other person) that keeps the second object. Each of the friendship objects may be substantially identical or complimentary. Each preferably has a connecting mechanism associated with it so that a person can collect and link together friendship objects given to, or received from, a number of friends. In this way, multiple pairs of friendship objects may be created and used together.

According to other embodiments, more than two friendship objects may be created and packaged together. In this way, more than two friends can “share” similar or complimentary friendship objects. Thus, two or more friends can share multiple objects and link together the multiple friendship objects.

According to some embodiments, the friendship objects may be adapted to enable the linked objects to form a necklace, a bracelet, or other item of jewelry, or a belt, or other object that may typically be worn by an individual. According to other embodiments, the objects may be linked together to form chains or other linked structures. These structures may be attached to bookcases, knapsacks, or other structures.

According to one embodiment, the objects may be substantially identical such that each friend has a substantially identical replica of what the other friend has. Alternatively, the objects may be complimentary so that, when the objects are brought together, some synergistic effect occurs. For example, each of the objects may individually include a portion of a visual message so that when the objects are brought together, the entire message is visible, either in a static or dynamic manner (as discussed below). Audible and other forms of synergistic cooperation may be implemented.

The connecting mechanism may include one or more of a jewelry clasp, a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro™), a clip, or any other suitable connecting mechanism. In some embodiments, the friendship objects may be directly connected to one another. In other embodiments, they are indirectly connected (e.g., through a chain or other intermediate connector portion).

In various embodiments, the friendship objects may be made of a variety of materials and may comprise any one of a variety of shapes or configurations. According to one embodiment, the friendship objects may be plush objects such as stuffed animals or other stuffed objects. In other embodiments, the friendship objects may comprise more rigid objects. Alternatively, the objects can be shapes (e.g., hearts or other shapes), fruits, flowers, automobiles, characters, sports-related objects, hobby-related objects, logos, mascots, or any other suitable shape.

According to another embodiment, the friendship objects may be adapted to enable various forms of personalization. For example, the personalization may be in the form of a written message, an engraved or embroidered message, or other visual message. According to other embodiments, the personalization may be in the form of a personal voice message (e.g., recorded on a voice chip), a pre-recorded message or other audible personalization. Various combinations of personalization techniques may be used.

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent through the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the drawings attached hereto. It is also to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and not restrictive of the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a package including a pair of friendship objects, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example of a friendship object having a connecting mechanism oriented along its vertical axis, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B illustrates an example of a friendship object having a connecting mechanism oriented along its horizontal axis, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a plurality of friendship objects linked together, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a friendship object including a personalized message, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate side and front views, respectively, of an object body, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5C is an illustration depicting how one or more appendages or extensions may be coupled to an object body, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate exemplary front and side views, respectively, of a friendship object resembling a dog, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate exemplary front and side views, respectively, of a friendship object resembling a bird, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate exemplary front and side views, respectively, of a friendship object resembling a horse, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate exemplary front and side views, respectively, of a friendship object resembling a zebra, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 10A-10B illustrate exemplary side and front views, respectively, of two friendship objects nested together for packaging purposes, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate exemplary front and side views, respectively, of two connected friendship objects, according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

One aspect of the invention relates to at least a pair of (or more) friendship objects that may be created, packaged and/or sold together. Preferably, one person may keep one of the friendship objects and give a second friendship object to a second person. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a package 100 may include at least a pair of friendship objects (102, 104). Each of the friendship objects (102, 104) may be substantially identical or complimentary. Each friendship object (102, 104) may include one or more connecting mechanisms, generally designated 106. According to one embodiment, the connecting mechanism may include a first connection component 106 a and a second connection component 106 b. The connecting mechanism (and/or connection components) may be used to connect together or link multiple friendship objects, so that multiple friends can share and link together multiple friendship objects. In one embodiment (not shown), the connecting mechanism may include a jewelry clasp. For example, a first connection component 106 a of a first object may be a substantially solid ring (or other shape) and a second connection component 106 b may include a latch that can be opened, connected to the first connection component of second friendship object, and closed. In another embodiment, the connecting mechanism 106 may include a hook and loop fastener material (e.g., Velcro™). Any suitable connecting mechanism may be used such that the objects are linked together.

According to one embodiment, a connection component (e.g., 106 a) of a friendship object may be directly coupled to a connection component (e.g., 106 b) of another friendship object. According to another embodiment, connection components (106 a, 106 b) of a pair of friendship objects (e.g., 102, 104) may be coupled via an intermediate connector, for example, a chain, or any suitable structure.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate friendship object 102 having connection components (106 a, 106 b) for linking to one or more other friendship objects. According to one embodiment, friendship object 102 may include one or more connection components (106 a, 106 b) oriented along any axis or orientation. For example, in some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, friendship object 102 may include one or more connection components (106 a, 106 b) oriented along the vertical axis of object 102. In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, friendship object 102 may include one or more connection components (106 a, 106 b) oriented along the horizontal axis of object 102.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a plurality of friendship objects (e.g., 102, 112, 114, 116) may be linked together. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of friendship objects (e.g., 102, 112, 114, 116) may include a connector 108 coupled to connection components (106 a, 106 b). Connector 108 may enable linking one friendship object to another friendship object. In other embodiments, each of the plurality of friendship objects (e.g., 102, 112, 114, 116) may be directly linked together via connection components (106 a, 106 b) without intermediate connector 108.

In one embodiment, a plurality of friendship objects (e.g., 102, 112, 114, 116) may be adapted to enable the linked objects to form a necklace, bracelet, anklet, belt, or other item of “jewelry” that may typically be worn by an individual. In another embodiment, a plurality friendship objects (e.g., 102, 112, 114, 116) may be linked together to form zipper pulls, key chains or other objects that may be attached to structures such as bookcases, knapsacks and other structures.

According to one embodiment, the friendship objects (e.g., 102 and 104) may be substantially identical so that each friend has a substantially identical replica of what the other friend has. According to another embodiment, the friendship objects may be complimentary so that when the objects are brought together some synergistic effect occurs. For example, each of the objects may contain a portion of a visual message so that when they are brought together the entire message is visible. Other forms of synergistic cooperation can be implemented.

As opposed to this static synergistic effect, a dynamic synergistic effect may occur. For example when one object is brought close to or in contact with a second object, that triggering activity may cause at least one (or more) of the objects to exhibit a dynamic behavior. The dynamic behavior may include causing an audible message or other sound to occur, causing a visual display or other visual effect to occur, or to cause some other dynamic effect to occur. One example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,695, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

According to another embodiment, the friendship objects may be adapted to enable various forms of personalization. For example, the personalization may be in the form of a written message, an engraved or embroidered message, or other visual message. As illustrated in FIG. 4, friendship object 102 may include a personalized message 120 engraved or embroidered on its surface.

The personalization may also be in the form of one or more personal or pre-recorded voice message (e.g., recorded on a voice chip 122), or other audible personalization. In some embodiments, friendship object 102 may include a voice recording and a playback mechanism to enable a friendship object to be personalized by recording or re-recording on a voice chip one or more audible messages. In one embodiment, friendship object 102 may be personalized by a first person before receipt by a second person. According to another embodiment, the personalization may occur when both friends are present.

The friendship objects can be made of a variety of materials and can be in any one of a variety of shapes or configurations. According to one embodiment, the friendship objects may be plush objects such as stuffed animals or other stuffed objects. Alternatively, the objects can be shapes, including but not limited to hearts, fruits, trees, automobiles, planets, houses, people, logos, or mascots.

The connecting mechanism may be located on the friendship object in a location and/or orientation to enable or facilitate the linking of certain types of objects for certain purposes. For example, in one embodiment, as shown for example in FIG. 4, the first connection component and second connection component extend along an axis that is substantially vertical with respect to object 102. In other embodiments, the connection components may be located on an axis substantially perpendicular to that axis. For the particular object shown, the height (along what was referred to as the vertical axis) is less than the length (along a perpendicular axis). If it is desired to maximize the length of a link, it may be desirable to locate connection components along a longer axis of the friendship objects. If it is desired to increase the number of objects that can be linked in a given length, it may be desirable to locate the connection components along a substantially shorter axis of the friendship objects.

In other embodiments, more than one set of connection components can be located on a friendship object, along substantially perpendicular axes or otherwise.

According to another embodiment, the shape, color or other characteristics of object 102 can have significance. For example, a common designator may be used to indicate whether an object was one that the person received from a particular person or if it corresponds to an object that the person received from a different friend. In this way, friends can “compete” to see who can collect the most of a particular type of friendship object. Therefore, a common designator may makes an object recognizable from a specific person.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the various friendship objects disclosed herein may be fabricated from a common manufacturing blank or object body. FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate side and front views, respectively, of an object body 200 that maybe manufactured into a friendship object.

According to one embodiment, object body 200 may comprise a pair of front legs 205 (or other appendages or extensions) and a pair of back legs 210 (or other appendages or extensions). Each pair of legs (205, 210) may be integral with and fixed relative to object body 200, or may pivot or bend at a point where they are coupled to object body 200 via a hinge or other known attachment mechanism. In some implementations, the front pair of legs 205 may be bendable while the back pair of legs 210 may be fixed relative to object body 200, or vice versa. Other configurations are possible.

Object body 200 may comprise any type of plastic, wood, metal, fabric, or other material, and may be produced using any known manufacturing technique (e.g., injection molding). Object body 200 may further comprise a first location 220 where a head (or other appendage or extension) may be attached to object body 200, and a second location 240 where a tail (or other appendage or extension) may be attached to object body 200. In an alternative embodiment, not illustrated, object body 200 may comprise integral head and/or tail pieces that may be machined during the manufacturing process to resemble a particular animal or other friendship object. Similar to the legs (205, 210), the head and/or tail pieces may also be moveable with respect to object body 200. For example, a head may rotate about its connection point (220) to object body 200, while a tail may bend at the point 240 where it is attached to object body 200 using known attachment mechanisms (e.g., a hinge). Other configurations are possible.

As illustrated in FIG. SC, for example, object body 200 (resembling a dog) may comprise a recess 204 (at first location 220) adapted to receive a post 202 that is integral with head 224. Post 202 may further comprise a bulbous head adapted to “snap-in” to recess 204 so as to create a snug fit, yet enable head 224 to rotate relative to object body 200 in a direction illustrated by arrows “A.” Such a coupling may generally be referred to herein as a ball and socket joint. Other known coupling mechanisms may be used. Similarly, object body 200 may further comprise a recess 208 adapted to receive a post 206 that is integral with leg 212. Post 206 may also comprise a bulbous head adapted to “snap-in” to recess 208 so as to create a snug fit, yet enable leg 212 to rotate relative to object body 200 in a direction illustrated by arrows “B.” This coupling may also be generally referred to as a ball and socket joint. Although only the attachment (or coupling) mechanisms for head 224 and leg 212 are illustrated, the tail and remaining three legs may also be coupled to object body 200 in a similar manner.

Fabricating a plurality of friendship objects from a common manufacturing blank or object body 200 is advantageous, as it facilitates the manufacturing process by reducing and/or eliminating the need to utilize a variety of different fabrication techniques and or/equipment depending on what form the friendship object is to take. Other benefits may be realized. As an example, FIGS. 6-9 each illustrate different animals that may be fabricated from common object body 200.

FIGS. 6A-6B are exemplary front and side view illustrations, respectively, wherein object body 200 is fabricated to resemble a dog. A dog head may be attached to, or formed integrally with, object body 200 at location 220, and a dog tail may be attached to, or formed integrally with, object body 200 at location 240.

FIGS. 7A-7B are exemplary front and side view illustrations, respectively, wherein object body 200 is fabricated to resemble a bird. A bird head may be attached to, or formed integrally with, object body 200 at location 220, and a bird tail may be attached to, or formed integrally with, object body 200 at location 240.

FIGS. 8A-8B are exemplary front and side view illustrations, respectively, wherein object body 200 is fabricated to resemble a horse. A horse head may be attached to, or formed integrally with, object body 200 at location 220, and a horse tail may be attached to, or formed integrally with, object body 200 at location 240.

Similarly, FIGS. 9A-9B are exemplary front and side view illustrations, respectively, wherein object body 200 is fabricated to resemble a zebra. A zebra head may be attached to, or formed integrally with, object body 200 at location 220, and a zebra tail may be attached to, or formed integrally with, object body 200 at location 240.

Although FIGS. 6-9 illustrate animals, the friendship objects of the invention may, as described above, comprise any number of shapes or configurations. As such, FIGS. 6-9 should not be viewed as limiting.

In addition to facilitating the manufacturing process, fabricating friendship objects from a common manufacturing blank or object body 200 (FIGS. 5A-5B) is also advantageous for packaging purposes. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 10-10B, a pig and a tiger fabricated from an identical object body 200 are complimentary shaped, thus enabling the pig and the tiger to be easily “nested” or stacked together. This is advantageous for reducing the size of a product package in which these two friendship objects may be sold. It also enables more friendship objects (e.g., animals) to be packaged together than would otherwise be possible with articles of varying shapes and sizes. Additionally, the ability to stack or nest various friendship objects together facilitates the task of storing and/or keeping track of numerous friendship objects.

As recited above and illustrated in, for example, FIGS. 1-4, a connecting mechanism may be positioned on a friendship object in any number of locations and/or orientations to enable or facilitate the linking together of various friendship objects, and may further comprise one or more connection components. According to one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11B, two friendship objects (e.g., a dog and a horse) are illustrated, each having a first connection component 310 and a second connection component 320.

According to an embodiment of the invention, first connection component 310 may comprise a ring (e.g., an eyelet) which may be integral with the friendship object, or screwed into a threaded bore (not illustrated) provided in the top of the friendship object and positioned along its' vertical axis. First connection component 310 may be made of any material (e.g., wood, plastic, metal, etc.), may have any shape or design, and may extend upward from an upper surface of the object body at an approximate midpoint between the head and the tail. First connection component 310 may also be positioned at any other position on the object body (e.g., FIG. 2B). Other configurations are possible.

Second connection component 320 may comprise a strip of fabric, which may further comprise a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro™). Connection component 320 may extend downward from a lower surface of the object body at an approximate midpoint between the front pair of legs and the back pair of legs. Second connection component 320 may also be positioned at any other position on the object body (e.g., FIG. 2B). Other configurations are possible. Although the foregoing and following description each refer to a hook and loop fastener, any type of fastening device, in any shape, comprised of any material may also be utilized to achieve the functionality of second connection component 320.

According to one embodiment, a portion of hook material 315 a and a portion of loop material 31 5 b may be positioned along strip 320. In operation, loop material 315 b may mate with hook material 315 a when strip 320 is fed through connection component 310 (the ring) and folded back over itself in the direction of arrow “A,” as illustrated. In this regard, two or more friendship objects may be quickly and conveniently secured to one another. It should be recognized that, in an alternative embodiment, hook material 315 a and loop material 315 b may be reversed on strip 320. Other fasteners may be used.

According to one embodiment, each friendship object may further comprise an additional portion of either hook or loop material (not illustrated) mounted on (or integral with) the lower or other surface of the object body to enable either the portion of hook material 315 a or the portion of loop material 315 b to be secured to the lower or other surface of the object body if second connection component 320 is not being used to connect to another friendship object. In this regard, the last friendship object of a “chain” of friendship objects may not have second connection component 320 dangling free beneath itself.

Alternatively, rather than providing an additional portion of either hook or loop material mounted on (or integral with) the lower or other surface of each friendship object, multiple friendship objects may be packaged together and sold as a kit or collection, wherein one of the friendship objects is not provided with a second connection component 320. In this regard, the friendship object that is not provided with second connection component 320 may be designated as the last friendship object of the “chain” of friendship objects provided in the package.

In yet another alternative embodiment, friendship objects not having a second connection component 320 may be packaged individually and sold or provided as designated friendship objects to be used at the end of a friendship object chain. Other configurations are possible.

Other embodiments, uses and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. The specification should be considered exemplary only, and the scope of the invention is accordingly intended to be limited only by the following claims. 

1. An animal-shaped friendship object, comprising: an object body having a head at a proximal end of the object body, a tail at a distal end of the object body, a pair of front legs extending outward from the proximal end at a point below the head, and a pair of back legs extending outward from the distal end at a point below the tail; and a connecting mechanism that enables the object body to be coupled to one or more other objects, the connecting mechanism comprising a first connection component extending upward from an upper surface of the object body at an approximate midpoint between the head and the tail, and a second connection component extending downward from a lower surface of the object body at an approximate midpoint between the front pair of legs and the back pair of legs.
 2. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the head is fixed relative to the object body.
 3. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the head rotates relative to the object body about the point at which it is attached to the object body.
 4. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the tail is fixed relative to the object body.
 5. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the tail is coupled to the object body via an attachment mechanism that enables the tail to move relative to the object body.
 6. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 5, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a hinge.
 7. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 5, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a ball-and-socket joint.
 8. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the front pair of legs are fixed relative to the object body.
 9. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the front pair of legs are each coupled to the object body via an attachment mechanism that enables each of the front pair of legs to move relative to the object body and to one another.
 10. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 9, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a hinge.
 11. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 9, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a ball-and-socket joint.
 12. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the back pair of legs are fixed relative to the object body.
 13. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the back pair of legs are each coupled to the object body via an attachment mechanism that enables each of the back pair of legs to move relative to the object body and to one another.
 14. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 13, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a hinge.
 15. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 13, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises a ball-and-socket joint.
 16. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the first connection component comprises a ring.
 17. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the ring is integral with the object body.
 18. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the ring is screwed into a threaded bore in the object body that is positioned vertically at an approximate midpoint between the head and the tail.
 19. The animal-shaped friendship object of claim 1, wherein the second connection component comprises a strip of hook and loop fastener.
 20. A friendship object kit, comprising: at least two animal-shaped friendship objects that are packaged and sold together, wherein each of the at least two animal-shaped friendship objects comprises: an object body having a head at a proximal end of the object body, a tail at a distal end of the object body, a pair of front legs extending outward from the proximal end at a point below the head, and a pair of back legs extending outward from the distal end at a point below the tail; and a ring extending upward from an upper surface of the object body at an approximate midpoint between the head and the tail, and a strip of hook and loop fastener extending downward from a lower surface of the object body at an approximate midpoint between the front pair of legs and the back pair of legs; wherein each of the at least two animal-shaped friendship objects may be linked by threading the strip of hook and loop and fastener from the first of the at least two animal-shaped friendship objects through the ring of the second of the at least two animal-shaped friendship objects and securing the hook and loop fastener to itself.
 21. A friendship object kit comprising at least a pair of friendship objects that are packaged and sold together, wherein a first friendship object of the pair is for a first person to keep and a second friendship object of the pair is for a second person to receive from the first person, the first and second friendship objects each comprising a connecting mechanism to enable multiple friendship objects from different pairs of friendship objects to be linked together by one person.
 22. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein the first and second friendship objects are plush animal-shaped objects.
 23. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein the first and second friendship objects are animal-shaped objects.
 24. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises at least a jewelry clasp.
 25. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein the connecting mechanism comprises hook and loop fastener material.
 26. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein at least the second friendship object is personalized by the first person before receipt by the second person.
 27. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein the first and second friendship objects are personalized by a visual message.
 28. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein a recipient of multiple friendship objects can connect the friendship objects together via the connecting mechanisms of the respective friendship objects.
 29. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein a recipient of multiple friendship objects can connect the friendship objects together to form a wearable article.
 30. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein a recipient of multiple friendship objects can connect the friendship objects together via the connecting mechanisms of the respective friendship objects to form a wearable article.
 31. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein the first and second friendship objects are substantially similar.
 32. The friendship object kit of claim 21, wherein the first and second friendship objects are complimentary.
 33. The friendship object kit of claim 32, wherein the first and second friendship objects are complimentary to create a static synergistic effect when brought close together or in contact.
 34. The friendship object kit of claim 32, wherein the first and second friendship objects are complementary to create a dynamic synergistic effect when brought close together or in contact. 